Halide bulb warranty

[grochmal]

One of my halide bulbs stopped working the other day.
It was replaced 2 months ago so is still fairly new.
Do they usually come with any kind of warranty?
Or is that up to the reseller?

It's a XM 10k 250w HQI

I switched a working bulb with the bad one to verify that it is the bulb.

[marineduud]

You should get a replacement bulb with no ?'s with a receipt

[s10willy]

Just curious, what ballast are you running? And what kind of color are you getting from the bulb? I'm considering trying them after my current AB 10k's.

[patharm]

Originally Posted by s10willy

Just curious, what ballast are you running? And what kind of color are you getting from the bulb? I'm considering trying them after my current AB 10k's.

I use the AB 10ks and I would not go to the XM 10ks next if you are going to stick to the same 10k color spectrum. The AB lights are longer lasting and the AB 10ks are one of the standards for this color spectrum. Now if you are considering changing your color spectrum to 14k you might consider the XMs. Otherwise stick with the ABs. Also consider the AB 10ks have a 13k color spectrum. The ABs are rated to be at 25% after two years use. Although you should not use them past a year. I changed mine at 14 months and the last two months I notice that my lights were still bright but a slight yellow. I was too busy to get them changed at the 12 month mark.

Patrick

[combiemaster]

well i got my XM 20k (SE) bulbs from www.hellolights.com and they offer a 6 month warranty on the bulb. i did not get them shipped since i live about 10 miles from them.

[grochmal]

Originally Posted by s10willy

Just curious, what ballast are you running? And what kind of color are you getting from the bulb? I'm considering trying them after my current AB 10k's.

I use the Blue Wave ballasts (magnetic).
I find the bulbs quite white, but I'd have to compare the AB bulbs beside each other to see the difference.
One thing to note about XM vs. AB is the price difference.
You can get the XM's for $60 each vs. $90-$100 for the AB's.
I get about 8 months life out of the XM's which would be about $7.50/month which is the same for an AB bulb @ $90 with a 12 month life.
Also, I found the XM's degrade badly after about 8 or 9 months.
I forgot to change mine and got a big algae outbreak and my corals suffered.

I'm still waiting to get a reply from the vendor I bought the bulbs from.
Bad time of year with the holidays and all I guess...

[s10willy]

The price and the PAR of the XM make it an attractive option. However, I am using Icecap electronic ballasts, with which many people have had problems firing XM 10K's in the past. Additionally, some people cliam the 10K HQI is soemwhat yellow on this ballast. I am pretty happy with the AB's, but if I could get a comparable color with much more PAR at a lower price, that would be ideal.

I like the idea of a bulb having a year of usable life, but I get no guarantees that it won't "blow" at the 7 month mark. Then I paid $30 more for less PAR performance than the XM.

[grochmal]

Well, the vendor (www.reeftanklighting.com) won't cover me which is a disappointment.
I called hellolights and they said that they would have replaced the bulb in this situation.
So, although they are higher priced I ordered a replacement from hellolights.
Good customer service is worth a little more...

[sea devil]

I used to sell XM bulbs @ Atlantis, I ordered them from PFO. I never had a problem getting replacement bulbs or ballests from them. I run 400 20K with the PFO ballasts,love the color. Oh the pros & cons of online buying.....lol. Jeff, what's the price per bulb with shipping?

[grochmal]

reeftanklighting sells them for $69.25 including shipping, which hellolights will supposedly match.
There is a 10% off coupon code for reeftanklighting which would bring it down to $63.15 but I'd rather pay more at hellolights and get better service.
I called Bioreef and all they had were Reeflux bulbs for $90 each...

[ScruffyRubicon]

Not meaning to hijack the thread. I forget the difference between the 10K and 14K. Is it the 14K is more blue or is it the other way around.

[grochmal]

14k is more blue

[ScruffyRubicon]

That's what I thought. Thanks!

[sea devil]

Check with Brian @ Fish Maniac. I'm pretty sure he has XM bulbs.

[grochmal]

D'Oh!
Too late, I already ordered it from hellolights.